ISPRA Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale

History and Founding

The Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA) is Italy's national environmental protection and research institute. It was established by Decree-Law No. 112 of June 25, 2008, converted into Law No. 133/2008, through the merger of three predecessor institutions: the Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT), the National Institute for Wildlife (INFS), and the Central Institute for Scientific and Technological Research Applied to the Sea (ICRAM). ISPRA operates under the supervision of Italy's Ministry for the Environment and the Protection of Land and Sea, with full technical, scientific, organizational, and financial autonomy. Its headquarters and main laboratories are in Rome, with branch offices in northern and southern Italy.

Environmental Data and Publications

ISPRA serves as Italy's primary producer of environmental data and scientific publications for policy support. It coordinates the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA), a network of 21 regional and provincial environmental agencies. Since 2001 (and its predecessor APAT), the institute has published the annual Environmental Data Yearbook (Annuario dei dati ambientali), a comprehensive compendium of national environmental indicators.

Collections and Data Holdings

ISPRA's environmental data holdings cover marine and coastal environments (including the national tide gauge network and oceanographic vessel operations), soil contamination and remediation, air quality, biodiversity, hydrogeological hazards, waste management, greenhouse gas emissions, and land use. The institute also maintains a significant library with roots in the late 19th century, holding one of Italy's most complete archives on earth sciences and environmental issues.

Access and Usage

Environmental data, reports, and scientific publications are freely available through ISPRA's website at isprambiente.gov.it. The institute is a member of the European Environment Agency's EIONET network and a National Reference Center for multiple EEA thematic centers.